In light of recent events, officials are asking people now more than ever to practice fire safety.

According to NBC San Diego, almost 95 percent of California’s wildfires occur when people fail to follow safety steps. NBC San Diego also wrote that outdoor equipment should be used with caution, especially during red flag warnings when sparks can ignite a brush fire.

Many brush fires start alongside roads when sparks produced by a vehicle land in the brush. NBC San Diego informed people to build campfires on level-ground, away from brush and other materials that may catch on fire. They should also avoid discarding cigarettes and other smoking materials from a moving vehicle, and instead completely extinguish cigarettes before disposing of them.

According to Cal Fire, in 2018 more than 6,000 fires have burned over one million acres of land in California so far. When weather conditions increase the fire risk, red flag warnings are issued. Steps can be taken before, during and after a fire to ensure safety.  

Residents can also subscribe to text messages from Cal Fire, which will alert you on imminent threats, warnings and updates. Having reliable communication and information is recommended by many emergency response experts.  

“Have an out-of-state contact person, in case you lose cell phone service,” Oak Park Community Emergency Response Team Coordinator Di Starzak said.

According to Starzak, VC Emergency and VC Alert were very beneficial for people involved in the recent fires. Starzak said that VC Alert works as a reverse 911 service that allows local authorities to notify people directly on their home and cell phones with vital information during an emergency. VC Emergency is a website that activates during a disaster with the most current information on evacuations, shelter locations and road closures.

“If there are any potential threats to your area, think about what you would do if you have to evacuate. Do you have a plan? Do you have reliable information?” Starzak said.

If local evacuation orders are issued, residents should be prepared to pack and leave immediately. Cal Fire, the state’s firefighting agency, requests residents to create an evacuation plan checklist in case situations like this occur. This includes having an emergency supply kit in your vehicle, a plan for pets and wearing garments that will provide optimum protection during dangerous situations. Also, there a simple safety tips to protect homes during these situations.

“Clear leaves and other debris from gutters, eaves, porches and decks. Remove dead vegetation and flammable materials within 30 feet of your home,” the National Fire Protection Association wrote on their website.

The National Fire Protection Association also wrote that homeowners should inspect shingles and roof tiles, cover exterior attic vents and keep their lawn maintained when weather conditions start to pose as a threat. In addition, they say to shut off natural gas and fuel oil supplies before evacuating.

According to sophomore Ava Statts, she was given an hour to collect possessions and leave her home. She also made the preparations to transport her pet and ensure that her house was under the proper conditions.

“When leaving, I took my nicest jewelry, camera, a few favorite books and old photos,” Statts said.

If it is too late to leave, officials suggest staying inside and calling 911. They say to fill sinks and tubs with water and close all doors and windows, but do not lock them in case first responders need to enter your home.

“During an emergency, stay informed and listen to first responders,” Starzak said.

Starzak said leaving for a safe location when it is safe and sane to do so can be helpful to first responders. Starzak also said she hopes that community members stay informed and help officials do their job — do not linger after an evacuation notice has been given, fire officials will start arriving and checking homes.

“Going through this experience has helped me,” Statts said. “It helped me realize what is truly important if everything were to be taken away from me.”Infographic by Talia Majhu